The Great Hall was in quite a mood today. 

Me, Jessica and Hana raced to our Gryffindor table and got settled excitedly. My mouth watered when I saw the delicious breakfast in front of me. 

"Hey Iris, that hot model is looking at you," Hana nudged me lightly, pointing her chin towards the Slytherin table. I frowned, as I turned by head to see Daxton staring at me, in his usual demeanour. 

Once our eyes connected, he gave me a large smile and waved. I gestured back.

But that did not stop both of us from pulling pranks. We both were the biggest chaser rivals at all the Quidditch matches.
 But apart from that, we're good friends too, reserving enmity for competitions only.

And yesterday, he had discovered my weakness for protection spells.

"Look at this tasty heaven of vanilla—" The daily blabbering of Jessica was interrupted when we heard our Headmistress, Professor McGonagall asking for our attention. 

Turns out, the Triwizard selections were today.

~~~

"That was so not fair!" Daxton groaned irritably, as I giggled. We both were on our daily evening patrol of 6 pm. Perks of being the 6th year prefects.

"'Course it was, I didn't forget when you tried to steal my muffins from me." I smirked. 

"But I love chocolate muffins, that's what I asked for!" He whined, I waved my hands dismissively. 

"Anyways, are you finally excited for the tournament?" He asked, as we neared the Room of Requirement.

"Don't know, don't care. But if I get selected, I'll use the most cunning ways and make our school the winner." I winked. 

"As if you're getting selected," He smirked. I gasped.

"Hey! I can get selected, no offence!" I pouted. He laughed at my antics, and ruffled my hair. 

"You can dream, but you're not even 16 now, premature muggle born." He teased. I sticked my tongue out.

"As if you're getting selected, huh?" I teased back. He merely laughed it off, shaking his head in denial. 

We entered the hall, which was already buzzing in energy. The students had already accumulated around the Goblet, which was blazing with purple flame. 

"Iris, here!" The supersonic voice of Hana was audible, as many heads turned to her, but she scowled at them. I felt Daxton shaking his head. 

I was about to wave him goodbye, but he stopped me.

"Daxton, do you want to say something?" I inquired, frowning slightly. 

Daxton blushed a bit, but finally said, "Iris, I don't know but, best of luck." He smiled breathtakingly. 

"Hogwarts has never chosen a female warrior before," I frowned, "But I'll wish you luck too!" I smiled warmly. With that, he vanished to his friends.

~~~

It was the time, when the Goblet would declare the champion of our school. The participants of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were declared already. 

We all held our breaths, as the fire flamed, and produced a chit.

Our Headmistress' face paled. We all had started worrying, whispers filled the air. 

"Students of Hogwarts, we're proud to announce you that," Her voice shook, "Daxton Hamilton—" 

The students started cheering, and I clapped happily, seeing Daxton being selected as a champion. Headmistress silenced them again. 

"—And Iris Jen have been selected." Gasps filled the air. I was shocked. 

I never expected to get around this sticky situation. I saw everyone staring at me and Daxton. He was gazing at me too, and so was I.

"—The rules completely state that only one champion can participate," She paused, looking around and then at both of us, "So therefore, we shall conduct a duel to know the final champion of the tournament." 

~~~

That night, I wasn't able to sleep. I'd forced my roommates to sleep and not worry about me, but here I was, pacing around, thinking about the situation. Was I really worth the risk?

I wasn't even allowed to meet Daxton before the duel. I tossed and turned around, but eventually, I controlled my mind and went to sleep. 

~~~

Three of the schools had now settled on the stadium of the Black Lake, where the duel was to be held. What the duel was about, no one knew. The only thing visible was mass of students in red and green color. 

Then it struck ; I was the one representing the red supporters. I had to win this, at least, for them. 

"Iris Jen, Daxton Hamilton, you both are requested to report on the podium!" Miss Rose, the Headmistress of Beauxbatons, said in her accent. 

So we were in a competition again, where we are supposed to be the rivals. 

I tugged at my tie nervously, knowing it was loose. I never knew how to tie a tie. 

What I didn't notice was Daxton already standing in front of me. 

He smirked, looking knowingly at me. He pointed his wand at me, and tied it in a heartbeat. I mentally thanked him, but mouthed, "Show off," and scowled. He laughed. 

We both made up to the podium, where we were briefed about the task. Everyone cheered as we were given the underwater-breathing-pills. Daxton and my friends cheered loudly. I inhaled calmly.

The stopwatch of Headmaster Finkelstein chimed, and we both dived in. The task was to find out a stone which had its own light, referred as the 'wishing stone'.

Moonstone.

Soon, I found myself isolated with water and weeds around. I was aware of the sudden attack of the merpeople from anywhere. 

I only had one intention, to go to the darkest place so as to track the light. Suddenly, I felt a tug. A horrified gasp escaped, which turned into a frown very soon, "Relashio!" A Grindylow attack. 

I released red sparks so as to alert myself, as many Grindylows started attacking. Swiftly, I started recasting spells, and escaping them. 

Enough is enough.

"BOMBARDA!" A strong jet released through my wand, as the water whirled around me, separating me from the Grindylows in a huge impact. 

But now came the sirens, whose enchanting beauty and voice could capture you forever. 

"Stupefy!" I swiftly dodged and passed them.

"HEY! Am I not beautiful? Look at me!" A melodious voice said. I had enough of high-school drama, spare me, I'm a muggle born. 

"No, your face makes the onion cry." With that, I sped up. But something stopped me there. 

Daxton. 

Enchanted by one siren's beauty, trying to kiss her! 

This is so not happening! A jolt of fiery emotion emerged in me.

"Oscausi!" I said, pointing the wand at her. 

Once her melody stopped, Daxton snapped into his senses, looking wildly around. Once he spotted me, he widened his eyes, and gripped my wrist tightly. 

But soon, he was rapidly swimming, dragging me along. He had found the way to our hunt! 

***

The presence of light was being visible now. But what stopped me was the surrounded merpeople around both of us. Daxton had now separated ways. 

Rivalry starts. Oh Dax, it's on!

Swiftly, I began slashing any merpeople who entered in my way. Attacking them was their worst fear. 

But it could even backfire. 

The moonstone was finally visible! I quickened my swimming pace, relentlessly slashing and ducking to reach the stone.

The brightness was too much, that it started stinging my eyes. Taking that opportunity, the merpeople attacked me. I had no idea for protecting me. 

Daxton, I hope you win. I closed my eyes for the impact.

"PROTEGO DIABOLICA!"

But suddenly, blue layer surrounded me and.. Daxton? He came!

He yelled loudly, "Touch the stone!" 

I frowned, he was letting me win! This is against—

"TOUCH THE STONE!" He motioned towards the coming sirens, as he struggled with the protection-layering.

I gave in, and touched the moonstone. Then everything went whirlwind.

***

I came back to my senses, coughed out water, when I felt the wood beneath me. I opened my eyes, to look that—

Me and Daxton were on the podium, our hands intertwined.

And the moonstone in my other hand.

"Based on the results, we declare, Iris Lotus Jen as the champion from Hogwarts!" Minister Weasley said, and smiled at me.

"Daxton.." I slowly said, as I got up. I knew he'd win if only he'd not protected us from them.
He got up and smiled brightly at me. We both were drenched, but still, he neared me and cupped my face. 

"Iris Jen, you're one of the most fabulous person I've ever met," He started, "You are the first female to get the honours, you're brave, passionate and intelligent—"

"But—"

"I was awake last night, I'd seen everything," Slytherin dungeons under the Black Lake, "So I indirectly knew." He sheepishly admitted. 

You're cunning-competive, determined, ambitious— am I even worth it? 

"Yes, you are so much worth it, you acted on your instincts, knowing nothing about the duel. And now, you have to win, for us, for Hogwarts." He said. 
Jessica and Hana were cheering the most. I was lucky to have them as my friends.

People hollered, when Daxton squeezed my hand and kissed my forehead. 

"And I will be always there for you, no matter what." He smiled.

Yes, I have to win. For me, for my friends, for Daxton and for Hogwarts.